What We Do
FJI is committed to achieving social justice through our dedicated litigation and advocacy efforts in criminal justice reform, housing & poverty, and disability access.
What does FJI Do?
At FJI, we are civil rights attorneys who work to achieve lasting change for poor and disenfranchised Floridians through strategic, creative, and client-centered litigation.
Through a combination of class-action and individual cases, FJI aims to leverage our resources to end systems of oppression and improve living conditions so that change continues well beyond our victories in the courtroom.
THE THREE PRONGS OF FJI’S WORK
Human Rights in the Justice System
FJI initiates cases aimed at reforming Florida’s worst criminal justice policies. The cases we bring encompass efforts to improve prison conditions, prevent abuse, mitigate violence, achieve disability accommodations, protect free speech, address dangerous understaffing and overcrowding, and outlaw solitary confinement.
Additionally, FJI advocates for cash bail reform and other policies that would ease the burden on families supporting incarcerated loved ones.
Prisoners plead for air conditioning in lawsuit against Florida corrections department
By KATE PAYNE | November 1, 2024Associated Press TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — It was the hottest September in more than […]
Florida accused of “deliberate indifference” to inmates in sweltering heat at Miami-Dade prison, lawsuit says
By CBS/News Service of Florida | November 1, 2024CBS Miami TALLAHASSEE — Accusing the state of “deliberate indifference,” a federal lawsuit […]
Prison reform advocates sue in federal court for air conditioning in Florida prisons
By Elena Barrera | October 31, 2024Tallahassee Democrat A new lawsuit is aiming for a big chill. After what was […]
Florida prisoners file federal lawsuit over deadly heat with no A/C
By Minnah Arshad | October 31, 2024USA Today Stifling heat at a Miami-area concrete prison without air conditioning contributed to […]
Heat contributed to 4 deaths, made many ill at Miami-Dade prison without AC, lawsuit claims
By Ashley Miznazi | October 31, 2024Miami Herald South Florida temperatures soared to record highs over the last few summers — […]
FJI Files Lawsuit Over Sweltering Heat at South Florida Prison
Florida Justice Institute (FJI) filed a lawsuit against the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) on behalf of those incarcerated at Dade Correctional Institution (Dade CI),...
Empowerment for Vulnerable Populations
FJI spearheads legal challenges to laws that criminalize poverty and unfairly target people experiencing homelessness, advocating for increased funding for affordable housing and access to proper treatment.
Additionally, FJI takes on cases representing victims of housing discrimination, ensuring their rights are upheld and justice is served.
Dignity for Individuals with a Disability
FJI also initiates litigation aimed at compelling governments and businesses to maintain accessible facilities, thereby guaranteeing that individuals with disabilities receive the necessary accommodations to lead lives of dignity and respect.